Yakima River Fly Fishing

The Yakima offers Washington's best trout fishing, with abundant rainbows averaging 12 to 14 inches.  Cutthroats can also be caught, along with some browns, an occasional brookie and many whitefish.  The Yakima is a freestone river that is best floated, though wading is possible in all seasons except summer.  Do not fret about rain, as the river's location east of the Cascades protects it from the sogginess that often pervades Seattle.  From its headwaters near Easton, the river winds 70 miles southeast through farmland and a 20-mile canyon to Yakima.  Roads parallel most of the river and access is through numerous public access points. The Yakima is no more than a 2-hour drive to the east of Seattle.  There are several fly shops and guide services in the Ellensburg and Yakima areas.  See photos and hatch chart of river.

Yakima River

Character

Though it is technically a top-water release tailwater, the Yakima appears as a freestone stream.  Insect life and hatches are abundant, allowing trout to average 12 to 14 inches and occasionally exceed 20 inches.  Flows and clarity vary on the Yakima.  The top 40 miles down to Ellensburg is generally gin clear except when runoff occurs.  Below Ellensburg, the flows are higher and often murkier, especially in late spring and summer due to agricultural needs.  In the summer months, the water can be crowded with both fishermen and fun-seeking floaters.  The river is open year-round.  See photos of river.

Upper Stretch (Easton to Ellensburg)

Quality trout fishing in gin clear water begins below the town of Easton.  From here down to Ellensburg, the river is freestone in nature for 46 miles, with some gravel bars and pools.  From Cle Elum, where several tributaries enter, down to the diversion dam, the cutthroat population is heavier than on the rest of the river (on some days the catch can be close to half cutthroat).  The entire upper stretch is typically much clearer than the middle and lower stretches, where silt enters via smaller streams.  The upper stretch flows through a forest and is fished most commonly by boat (there are several launch points). Five miles above Ellensburg, a diversion dam forces a take-out.  One can take out at the dam and pay a fee, or take out 1/2 mile above the dam at an unoffical site for free.  Below the dam, floating is possible all the way to Roza Dam in the lower stretch.  However, once you pass the Upper River Bridge at the KOA campground (4 miles below the dam), the water becomes more technical and may require portaging.  Below the KOA site, much of the surrounding farmland is private, making take-outs difficult.  The entire upper stretch also offers wadeable fishing.  Trails, abandoned railroad tracks and highway 10 offer access with varying degrees of difficulty.

Middle Stretch (Ellensburg to Thrall)

For 4 miles, the Yakima flows through farmland before entering a canyon at Thrall.  

(photo courtesy of The Evening Hatch)

Lower Stretch (Ellensburg to Yakima)

This 20-mile canyon section from Thrall to Roza Dam (above Yakima) is the most popular.  It is scenic, with bighorn sheep inhabiting the cliffs in the colder months.  The water here contains more boulders and pocket water than the upper areas.  Just below the entrance, Wilson Creek enters and clouds the water.  The effect is most obvious during the warmer months when it drains irrigated land.  Access is not a problem, with numerous put-ins and roadside access for wading fishermen.  There is a forced take-out one mile above Roza Dam, 13 miles above the city of Yakima.

Accessibility & Directions (get driving directions)

Cle Elum is 80 miles east of Seattle on I-90. Most of the river can be accessed from route 10 or route 821.

When & How to Fish

See The Evening Hatch's Hatch Chart and fishing reports.

Nearly all of the river is open year-round.  Wade-fishing is easiest in early fall, when water flows drop from 4000 cfs to 1200 cfs.  However, water temperatures can often rise during this period before cooler temperatures set in.  If you can stand the chilly weather, fishing can be excellent from late February to late April, when the water is clear, the stream is empty, and March Brown and Blue Winged Olive hatches occur.  Summer is decent as well, but watch out for recreational boaters that come in a predictable surge from 11am to 1pm, especially on the weekends.  These boaters are more of a nuisance on the last 18 miles.  The Yakima River area is generally dry, with minimal rainfall in the warmer months.  Summer is sunny and hot (average high of 90 in July), with spring and fall cooler, and winter cold (average high of 36).  Check the weather before visiting.  You may also want to look over the regulations.

Recommended Gear

If you must pick one outfit, Jack Mitchell of the Evening Hatch suggests a 5-weight, 9-foot rod, with medium action and weight forward line to deal with the wind.  Medium thickness neoprenes (3mm) are sufficient.

Thanks to Jack Mitchell from the Evening Hatch for helpful input (any factual errors are Troutsource's own).  For more information, Jack welcomes e-mail (e-mail Jack) or phone calls (1-866-482-4480). See trip information below and -- tell 'em Troutsource sent 'ya.